Amazing Grace

by Watchman Nee

“Grace and truth came [or subsists] through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17b ASV, and Darby in brackets). The Greek word for “came” is ginomai which means “has come”—signifying that that which before had never actually been in being in the world now begins to be so. In other words, grace actually commenced to be, yet not in God’s mind, of course, but in revelation and actual existence down here on the earth (see Darby’s footnote discussion on “subsists” in John 1:17). Mankind could not fully understand what divine grace is till it was revealed in Jesus Christ; nor could believing mankind fully apprehend the depth of that grace till it be found in Christ Jesus. Even today this so great salvation continually amazes those of us who have been touched by God’s grace. In August 1937 brother Watchman Nee gave a series of ten messages in Singapore on the Biblical theme of Amazing Grace. They were greatly appreciated at that time by those who heard. Now for the first time they have been translated into English for the benefit of the English-speaking world. May God use these messages to strengthen our faith.

Genres: Christian

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2013

About the author

Watchman Nee (Chinese: 倪柝聲; pinyin: Ní Tuòshēng; Foochow Romanized: Ngà̤ Táuk-sĭng; 1903–1972) was a Chinese Christian author and church leader during the early 20th century. He spent the last 20 years of his life in prison and was severely persecuted by the Communists in China. Together with Wangzai, Zhou-An Lee, Shang-Jie Song, and others, Nee founded The Church Assembly Hall, later which would be also known as the "Local churches" (Chinese: 地方教會). or more commonly as (聚會所) meaning "assembly hall"

Born into a Methodist family, Watchman Nee experienced a religious revival, and joined the Church of Heavenly Peace, Fuzhou in 1920 at age 17 and began writing in the same year. In 1921, he met the British missionary M. E. Barber, who was a great influence on him. Through Miss Barber, Nee was introduced to many of the Christian writings which were to have a profound influence on him and his teachings. Nee attended no theological schools or Bible institutes. His knowledge was acquired through studying the Bible and reading various Christian spiritual books. During his 30 years of ministry, beginning in 1922, Nee traveled throughout China planting churches among the rural communities and holding Christian conferences and trainings in Shanghai. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972.

Reviews

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamartiology and soteriology in brethren doctrine.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would put this book in a similar category to Watchman Nee's book "The Normal Christian Life". As with the Normal Christian Life, it is a very good treatise of Christ's accomplishments on the cross and how we can enter into the experience of those accomplishments. The book also discusses:
- The need to turn away from the law and look to Christ and Christ alone (The Revelation on the Mountain).
- How they way we take communion demonstrates Christ's emphasis on His original intention eating of Him as life, and not the remedial blood. Watchman Nee also uses the Passover in Exodus 12 to illustrate a similar point (ie. the children of Israel were not merely to apply the blood, but to eat the lamb to receive the strength to go on).
- The need for Christ to die on the cross to enable the release of this life (ie. Christ needed to be released from the shell of flesh which limited Him in space and time, enabling the release of His life to all who believe into Him, without limitation).
- Galatians 2:20... interestingly, here Watchman Nee uses the term "exchanged life" to describe the transaction which takes place between us and the Lord in living an overcoming life. This is based on Paul's statement that "it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me...". This is contrary to later publications by Witness Lee which proceed to look at the second half of Galatians 2:20 where Paul goes on to say "and the life which I now live...". Witness Lee denies the teaching of an "exchanged life" and instead teaches a "grafted life", where not only Christ, but both we and Christ live. Perhaps Watchman Nee later received further revelation on this matter, or it is just a matter of terminology. Regardless, the thrust of the principle is essentially the same: dependence on Christ's strength and not our own to live the Christian Life.

Among other things. I would consider recommending this book to a similar audience to the Normal Christian Life, as a good summary of the essentials of the Christian faith.

[Agnes | Live Loved · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 enlightening chapters that cover forgiveness and justification, sin, the cross as well as faith.

Many thanks to the team that laboured to translate Nee's sermons from Chinese to English and compile the translations into this powerful book.

Some really eye-opening points I got from these sermons:

1. We tend to view and treat sin much differently than how God does. We approach it based on what seems right or wrong through the lenses of our upbringing or culture. It is God who decides what sin is.

2. We think if God were to truly forgive us then He would have to not punish sin at all. That's our view of mercy and compassion but it would make God a compromised being.

3. Blood = our offering to God for our sins, resurrection = God's acceptance of the offering

4. There are two kinds of sin that were dealt with differently

5. Believe the Word over feelings

6. Faith must have the Word.

7. "Step aside and let Christ within be our victory. "

8. "God specialises in hopeless cases."

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watchman Née should be required reading for Christians. Not as important as the bible it's definitely up there.